Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Upon arriving in Puerto Natales, you discover a town steeped in history. Once a humble fishing port, it now offers breathtaking views of the Last Hope Sound and the Cerro Benitez Mountains, serving as the entrance to Torres del Paine. Transfer from the airport to Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar), where you'll be accommodated. Join us this evening for dinner and a briefing on the activities planned for the following day.

Please note: Travelers should plan to arrive at the Puerto Natales hotel by 3PM today. Ultimately, the weather at King George Island will drive the overall schedule of this trip, so there's a slight chance you might fly to Antarctica this evening!  

After breakfast, you check out of the hotel and head to the airport for your 2-hour direct flight to King George Island, marking the exciting beginning of your Antarctic adventure. King George Island, home to a diverse array of wildlife including Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, also hosts researchers from various countries, such as the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Your flight will land at the Chilean research station, where the National Geographic Explorer awaits offshore. You'll board Zodiacs to reach the ship and begin your journey across the Antarctic waters.

Please note: Flexibility is key to any successful Antarctic adventure, particularly a fly cruise. If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow their contingency plan. On average, about 85% of flights occur on this day, as scheduled. But travelers should be aware of, and ready to follow, the contingencies that National Geographic has developed for their new flight-based itineraries.

During this time of year, with long daylight hours, there are abundant chances for exploration. Your flexible schedule allows you to embrace unexpected moments, whether it's observing whales off the ship's bow, trekking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying a Zodiac cruise amidst playful penguins.

While the wildlife is awe-inspiring, the Antarctic is defined by its ice. You'll have the chance to intimately experience ice in various forms—from massive icebergs resembling islands to delicate layers just beginning to freeze. Whether you're kayaking among towering icebergs, exploring in a Zodiac for seals and blue-eyed shags, or walking among penguins, each day brings a new adventure.

Everywhere you venture in Antarctica, there are opportunities to capture stunning images. Throughout the journey, your expert expedition team will enhance every experience.


 

This morning, you find yourself near King George Island, which hosts a diverse array of wildlife including Weddell and elephant seals, as well as Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins. Besides its rich wildlife, the island also accommodates a human population. Researchers from multiple countries, such as the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, inhabit various research stations here. You disembark and take a Zodiac ashore to catch your 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales, where you will spend the night at Hotel Costaustralis or Remota Patagonia Lodge (or similar).

Please note: If the weather at King George Island does not allow for flights this morning, the ship operator will follow its published contingency plan.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to begin your journey homeward. 

Please note: Flights arranged for later in the day provide more buffer against any of those potential flight delays out of King George Island.